UWF is Different By Design
From its founding in 1963, the University of West Florida (UWF) has purposefully chosen to be different by design and maintains that intention today. UWF has grown into a vibrant, distinctive institute of higher learning. UWF has successfully expanded its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and targeted research programs, including programs offered fully online. Dedicated to helping students realize their full potential, UWF favors small classes with fully qualified teacher-scholars who deliver personalized, innovative, hands-on learning and provide leadership opportunities.
History
The Florida Legislature established the University of West Florida in 1963, and the university officially opened its doors in 1967. Initially, UWF was organized into three resident or cluster colleges: Alpha, Gamma, and Omega. The university later reorganized into a more traditional college structure and by 1999, had Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Professional Studies. Established as a senior institution enrolling upper-division and graduate students to address the needsof the Northwest Florida region, UWF began accepting lower-division students, becoming a four-year institution in 1983. In 1995, UWF began offering its first doctoral program. Read more about UWF's history >>
Locations
Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, the UWF main campus is just minutes away from historic downtown Pensacola and some of the world's best beaches. In addition to the main campus, the university extends its services to various locations and offers a broad array of online programs. UWF also operates 29 historic properties in downtown Pensacola, through West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. UWF Emerald Coast offers multiple locations close to home for residents located along the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa and Walton counties. Read more about our locations >>
Recognition
Many individual programs and faculty members have achieved national prominence. UWF has garnered additional recognition from Forbes Magazine, ranked as one of "America's Top Colleges," from The Princeton Review as one of the "Best Southeastern Colleges," from U.S. News and World Reports as one of the "Top Online Education Programs," from The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the "Great Colleges to Work For," and from G.I. Jobs Magazine as a "Military Friendly School." For a full list of rankings and designations visit our UWF Newsroom >>
Community
UWF is committed to being an economic driver of the Northwest Florida region and cultivates a strong network of area partners dedicated to making the region a better place to live, work, and play. UWF collaborates with area leaders in health care, business, technology, government, performing arts, cultural heritage and preservation, military, non-profit organizations, and other educational institutions. With its expanding regional presence, UWF serves as an economic growth engine for the entire state of Florida, contributing almost $1.5 billion annually to the state.